England Footballer Ivan Toney has been charged with assault following an alleged incident at a nightclub in Soho, central London.
The 30-year-old forward, who plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, was formally charged on July 31 in connection with an incident that reportedly occurred on Wardour Street on December 6 last year.
According to authorities, Toney faces a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on September 24.
Responding to the charge, a spokesperson for the England striker said Toney was “naturally shocked” by the allegation but intends to contest it in court.
“Ivan acknowledges the charge and although he is naturally shocked, he looks forward to being given the opportunity to clear his name in court,” the spokesperson said.
The development comes just weeks after Toney featured for England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He started in England’s dramatic 6-4 victory over France in the tournament’s third-place playoff, commonly referred to as the bronze final. His only other appearance during the competition came as a late substitute in England’s match against Argentina.
Toney joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli in 2024 after an impressive spell with Premier League side Brentford, where he established himself as one of England’s most prolific strikers.
He began his professional career at Northampton Town before moving to Newcastle United. He later enjoyed successful spells at Peterborough United and Brentford, earning a surprise call-up to England’s World Cup squad.
The case is expected to proceed when Toney appears in court in September. Until then, the allegations remain before the courts, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
SOURCE: BBC